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Chapter 381
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Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 382
The next day, Angela held Leo for the first time.Angela was in awe. She could hardly describe the feeling when the nurse carefully placed the tiny, pink baby in her arms.Her reaction perfectly captured the mix of shock, excitement, helplessness, and wonder that new life brought.Leo's eyes looked just like Mia's. At that moment, Angela suddenly realized how incredible Mia was. This tiny, adorable child had come from her frail body!"Hi, Leo. I'm your godmother. You can call me Godmom." Angela rocked the baby gently, grinning so wide her eyes turned into crescents.She had to admit—Mia's baby was super adorable.Maybe she was biased as his godmother, but even though Leo was still red and wrinkly like a little monkey, she still found him utterly charming.A warm sense of joy filled Angela's heart. And yet, no matter how much she adored Leo, she couldn't erase the memory of Mia's agony in the delivery room.One thing was certain—if she ever considered having a child, she would t
Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 383
"That's a secret, Mr. Bamford. You're overstepping." Angela leaned back in her seat, closing her eyes.She hadn't had a good night's sleep in days. Severe sleep deprivation had left her with dark circles under her eyes."Then you'd better protect him well. I reckon that the Jewell family will catch on soon. Once they show up at the hospital and cause a scene, it won't end well," Dexter warned."Don't worry. I won't let anyone harm Mia and Leo," Angela said with absolute confidence.Surprised, Dexter instinctively glanced at her. "Can you tell me why you care so much about Mia? She must be special to someone as heartless as you, right?"Angela raised an eyebrow at him. "Because when I look at her, I see my old self."Dexter instantly froze.When he looked at her again, her eyes were already closed.…Zayn was under house arrest for a full week. By the time he was finally allowed to go out, he looked gaunt, weak, and utterly drained. The moment he and the Jewell family caught wi
Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 384
"Let me see Mia. I'm begging you." Zayn's voice was heavy with sorrow, and his eyes were red. He looked utterly heartbroken."Wait here. I'll go ask Mia." Angela sounded a bit impatient, but she didn't outright refuse.She went upstairs and found Mia using a breast pump, though she didn't look too well.Ever since Angela had taken Leo away, Mia had insisted on pumping milk for him, saying that no matter what, she wanted her child to have her milk.As soon as Mia saw Angela, she sighed. "I don't know why, but I'm not producing enough milk. I guess I have to feed Leo formula, and I feel terrible about it." Angela was surprised. "Why would you feel bad just because you can't breastfeed? Does formula cause malnutrition or something?"She really couldn't understand how a woman who was once so refined and happy before childbirth could suddenly turn into a devoted mother, selflessly sacrificing herself and even losing her own identity.Maybe this was the greatness of maternal love. Bu
Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 385
Zayn collapsed to the ground, his entire being radiating disbelief. He looked as if he were about to be crushed by this sudden blow.How could this happen? Why did it happen?"Zayn, we shouldn't be together anymore. I can't change your parents' mindset. Besides, you already have a fiancée, and our child is gone…"Mia wiped away her tears, looking utterly shattered. Anyone who saw her would pity her.Zayn's face turned pale in an instant. He abruptly stood up and grasped Mia's hand. "Don't say that. Please don't. I won't marry anyone else, and I won't be engaged to anyone else. You are my one and only—""One and only? She killed your child, you fool! And you're still begging her to stay? For what?" At that moment, Florence's furious voice rang out from outside the hospital room.Both Zayn and Mia froze. Mia's expression became even more troubled, and her eyes brimmed with unshed tears."Wait for me here," Zayn said with a smile. "I'll be right back."As soon as he stepped out, t
Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 386
What the heck was Mia saying?"I just feel bad since he saved my life before. If I don't accept his kindness, wouldn't that make me seem ungrateful? I want to repay him, but every time I have that thought, I feel like I'm being presumptuous. It's frustrating enough as it is, so stop spouting nonsense."Angela let out a frustrated sigh. She wished she could just set things straight with Dexter, lay everything out, and make a clean break."If you truly wanted to sever ties with him, you would have done so long ago. Otherwise, why would you still be waiting around?" Mia said calmly, as if she had seen right through her.Angela frowned deeply, her thoughts a mess."What do you mean by that? What should I do then?" She remained silent for a long time, feeling like she had encountered a difficult problem."He loves you, and you have feelings for him. It's a good thing—a happy thing. Why make it so complicated? Or are you still holding a grudge for the way he treated you in the past?" M
Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 387
Angela was a little irritated. "Me too. She's definitely doing this for Trevor.""She said Trevor won't be there," Fiona replied."I don't want to do it. I'm busy since I need to go to Yedren to inspect the project revisions. Plus, the kickboxing club from last time just invited me to their exhibition match, and Mia also needs my help from time to time. I don't have time to put in all this effort just to be unappreciated," Angela said bluntly.Fiona nodded. "I'm not that free either. She always favors that bastard. It's honestly disheartening."As such, the two of them sent messages in the family group chat, saying they were both busy and suggesting that Natalie assign the task to someone else.But that very night, Natalie had a heart attack and was rushed to the hospital.Upon hearing the news, Angela and Fiona were left with no choice but to visit her.As expected, Natalie scolded them both the moment she saw them, accusing them of being disrespectful and uncaring toward their
Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 388
Zack grinned eagerly. "Angie, if you like him, I'll get his contact info for you.""What contact info?" Dexter's tall figure suddenly loomed over them as he forced his way into the conversation.Angela and Zack exchanged a glance and instinctively dropped the topic. Just then, the good-looking waiter from before walked over with a tray and set a fancy Black Forest cake in front of Angela.In an especially gentle voice, he said, "For the lovely lady. Please enjoy."Not only was he dashing, but his voice was also music to the ears. He was like a breath of fresh air. Angela couldn't help but smile as she lifted her gaze to take a proper look at him.Goodness. He was even more attractive up close. Those dark, deep-set eyes seemed to contain an endless galaxy, making them utterly mesmerizing.How could someone like this be a mere waiter?"What's your name?" The moment the words left Angela's mouth, she regretted it.What the hell was she doing? If she wanted to know, she should've l
Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 389
Natalie's outfit was especially striking. She wore a stunning blue evening gown, complemented by a string of pearls, and was smiling radiantly, exuding an indescribable elegance and grace.As soon as she appeared, the crowd erupted into enthusiastic applause, bringing the atmosphere to its peak.Angela and Fiona, however, remained calm, each lost in their own thoughts.Waves of applause surrounded them, and Natalie seemed thoroughly pleased with the event.The two women, unbothered, occasionally clinked their glasses together in quiet understanding whenever the applause grew too loud, like old confidants sharing an inside joke.Then, out of nowhere, the host said, "Let's welcome Ms. Graham and Madam Fiona to the stage!"Angela jolted in surprise, instinctively turning to Fiona. What was going on?Fiona was just as bewildered as she looked back at Angela in surprise. Before they could react, the lights in the banquet hall suddenly went dark. Only a single spotlight remained, shin
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Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 410
How horrifying!"Sorry, please wait a moment." Angela forced herself to stay calm, got up, and walked out of the conference hall.Clara followed her out, concern written all over her face. "Ms. Graham, are you feeling unwell? Do you need to see a doctor?"Angela avoided looking at Clara's face as she whispered angrily, "That's enough, Dexter!" Clara looked surprised, confused even. "What's wrong, Ms. Graham?"This meeting couldn't go on, and work was unbearable. It was unacceptable.Angela took a deep breath, returned to the conference hall, and stuck to her prepared proposal to finish hosting the meeting. Then, she rushed back to her office.However, the moment she opened the door, Dexter turned around from where he'd been sitting at her desk. With a warm smile, he said, "You're finally done. Time for lunch."Angela suddenly felt like she was living in some surreal fantasy world. Hadn't she just left Clara behind? How was she suddenly…No, wait. This was the real Dexter with
Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 409
Mia, who was next to Angela, replied, "You've got it all wrong. All of this was made by Mr. Bamford. Try some. It's really good."Dexter flashed Mia a friendly smile. She found it so odd that she froze for a moment.After all, she'd always thought that this cold-faced CEO didn't even have a "friendly smile" in his facial expression system.Mia keenly sensed that something was up between Angela and Dexter, both of whom seemed awkward."Really?" Angela was slightly taken aback. She glanced at Dexter, who was sitting at the dining table, waiting for them to dig in."Try some. I learned how to make these from Darlene," he said casually. "It was a piece of cake."Outside the kitchen, the plump and kind-hearted maid, Darlene Hines, wiped away a tear of exhaustion.She'd been woken up by Dexter before four or five in the morning, forced to give him an emergency cooking lesson while yawning the whole time.For several hours, she couldn't rest at all. She was so tired she almost passed
Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 408
Dexter was so excited he couldn't sleep all night. He finally gave up trying and decided to wake Fiona up just so he could share his earth-shattering news.Fiona had barely slept for an hour after burning the midnight oil for work.When the knock on her door jolted her awake, her first instinct was to hurl a pillow at the culprit, but then she thought that maybe Angela needed help with something.She quickly got up and opened the door, only to find Dexter standing there with an oddly excited expression as if he wanted to say something but was holding back."What?" Fiona's voice came out hoarse. She'd pushed her voice too hard after days of lectures. Angela had even given her some medicine for it, but she hadn't gotten around to taking it.Dexter walked in without hesitation and announced, "I have a girlfriend now."Clearing his throat, he put on a composed front, concealing his excitement behind an air of nonchalance. He barely pulled it off.Fiona frowned in surprise. Girlfrien
Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 407
Zayn chuckled. "You might as well try. Desperate times call for desperate measures. No matter how formidable Angela is, she's still a woman. Wasn't she once head over heels for you? It's just that afterward…"…That night, the grand villa was eerily quiet.Dexter paced back and forth outside Angela's room for a long time. He wanted to knock, or maybe just push the door open and go in, but he hesitated every time.With a crack, the door suddenly swung open from the inside.Angela, drowsy with sleep, covered her mouth as she yawned, holding an empty glass in her other hand. She looked like she was heading out to get some water.Their eyes met, and she jolted in surprise. The glass slipped from her hand, about to hit theground, when Dexter swiftly reached out and caught it smoothly."What the heck are you doing here?" In a flash, Angela was wide awake, her expression a blend of wariness and bewilderment.Dexter instinctively avoided her gaze. Without another word, he turned and wa
Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 406
Mia was right. What was Angela afraid of?She'd already won against Dexter once. In this relationship, the tides had long since turned in her favor. If she wanted, she could cut ties with him at any moment. If anyone should be worried, it was Dexter."Is that so?" she asked.Mia sighed helplessly. "It depends. Do you want a loyal partner who will stay by your side forever, give you his whole heart, and even lay down his life for you? Or do you prefer fleeting romances from the dazzling world outside?"Angela quickly waved her hands, looking a little embarrassed. "Stop it. Don't talk nonsense. I may let my eyes wander, but I'll never cross the line."…Meanwhile, Dexter and Zayn were also trying to find comfort in each other's company.Dexter had grabbed two bottles of beer on his way down. At the moment, they were in Zayn's car, clinking bottles from time to time.Slumped like a wilted flower, Zayn had been grumbling nonstop about his miserable life ever since Dexter had gotten
Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 405
Dexter hastily grabbed Angela's wrist. The once arrogant, self-important man who'd never cared for anyone his entire life was now showing rare humility. "Alright, alright. You're the boss, okay?"At the moment, he was a man with a touch of arrogance, a hint of resignation, and an awkward charm.Angela's heartbeat showed no signs of slowing down, and a hint of joy crept out from the bottom of her heart.Damn it. Had she really fallen for him?"Just get lost for now!" As soon as the words left her mouth, she froze, feeling instantly awkward.She had meant to tell him to step aside.Dexter looked stunned, a hint of hurt crossing his gaze. He had no choice but to step back resignedly, but his gaze never left her as he watched every flicker of emotion in her expression.Angela instinctively turned away, avoiding his piercing stare. Her mind was a mess—she felt trapped in a giant net and felt at a loss.Just then, she caught sight of Mia heading back in without that scumbag Zayn with
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Had Angela fallen for Dexter once again? Was she still as powerless against him as before?No, this couldn't happen.Angela took a deep breath. "Dexter, I have more important things to do, and I love myself the most."She would always love herself, her freedom, and everything she truly wanted to love."I don't want to go back to who I used to be, and I won't give up anything for you. I admit that my heart is wavering because of you, but I—""Then that's more than enough!" Dexter only heard what he wanted to hear, quickly pulling her closer into his embrace. "As long as you have feelings for me, that's all that matters. This is great!"His voice was deep and filled with exhilaration. It was as though he'd conquered the entire world.He was holding her so tightly that she could barely breathe. It rendered her unable to say a single word."Angela, don't be a coward. What's the harm in giving me a chance?" Suddenly letting her go, Dexter stared straight into her eyes while forcing
Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 403
"Mia, I'm so sorry. It's all my fault. I made you suffer. I deserve to die—I really do!" At least Zayn was admitting fault properly, like a spineless fool with no fight left.Angela watched the scene unfold from the third-floor balcony, feeling a bit melancholic.Love and marriage were indeed two very different things. Back then, the love between the two had been so strong that it could make anyone envious. Yet, it was nothing but a complete mess now.Maybe it was true that marriage was love's final resting place."What's on your mind?" Dexter suddenly appeared and walked over, stopping right behind her.He was holding two glasses of red wine. It was as if he knew she was in a bad mood and had come to help her relax."Don't you think it'd be great if people could just date without ever getting married?" Angela blurted out without a second thought.Dexter was momentarily stunned. "Sure, I'm fine with that. Whatever you want."Angela almost choked on her wine. After a long pause,
Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 402
"Mrs. Jewell, what's the meaning of this?" Angela rolled down her car window, crossing her arms as she looked at the middle-aged woman who was adamantly trying to argue her way inside to see her grandson.Hearing Angela's voice, Florence turned around. The moment their eyes met, her face twisted with anger."Angela, tell this man to get out of my way! I want to see my grandson! Who does he think he is to stop me?"Her voice was so sharp and grating that it was irritating to hear.Frowning in distaste, Angela instinctively backed off. "Oh, so you're here to see your grandson? I almost thought you came here to start a fight."I mean, look at you—you stormed here empty-handed and with this aggressive attitude. Anyone would misunderstand. Next time, why don't you bring a little something as a gesture of goodwill?""This is my family's matter. It has nothing to do with you, you insolent woman! Mind your own business!" Florence was so furious she was practically smoking from the ears.
